The Ford Econoline Van 1968,1969,1970,1971,1972,1973,1974, the best years.

The completely changed appearance of the second-generation Ford Econoline which was introduced in early 1968 is obvious. Notice the new inward-curving upper bodysides with completely different characters, the enlarged grille and the forward-positioned front wheels. Besides Twin-I-Beam front suspension and wide-track axles, chassis changes included a larger 24-gallon fuel tank, a more vertical steering column, 52-inch rear springs, orscheln parking brake control and center-point steering linkage. Distinguishing this E-100 Cargo Regular Van from its predecessors were a 2,500-pound front suspension capacity, standard 3,050-pound rear axle and a greater base GWV 4,500 pounds, Since there were now three Econolines series; E-100, E-200 E-300, the former Heavy Duty package was no longer catalogued. Two wheelbases were now offered, the regular's 105.5-inch and the SuperVan's 123.5-inch.

Although introduced in February 1968 the new Econolines were considered 1969 models. Innovations for 1969 included a completly redesigned and re-engineered Econoline van introduced in Feb. 1968 as a 1969 model. (There were no 1968 Econolines.) Originally scheduled as 1968s and and assigned parts numbers accordingly (C8UZ) the new E-series were delayed several months by the U.A.W. "united auto worker" strike of 1967 and the 1967 vans were carried over until early 1968.

Whether you call them 19681/2s or 1969s, these new Econolines looked quite different from the first series built from 1961 through 1967 (1st generation) They were longer, wider, and heavier. Restyled from stem to stern, they looked like no other vans on the market back then. With their short hoods, larger grills, and repositioned front axles, they set a styling statement that the others would follow.